Arlington, VA Solar Panels
In This Guide
Solar Power in Arlington
Planning solar panel installation in Arlington, VA? Your roof’s orientation and tree shade, Arlington County permitting, and utility billing can all shape how a home solar system works locally.
Learn what to expect at each step, from assessing your home to understanding system options. Start with our guide to home solar panels, then explore solar installation in Arlington.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arlington, VA?
Based on Palmetto’s real Virginia installation data, this calculator estimates solar installation costs for Arlington homeowners. Explore how local pricing may vary across Ballston, Clarendon, Rosslyn, Pentagon City, and Shirlington, using firsthand project data rather than a generic national average.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Arlington solar depends on your home—roof direction, shade, permitting, and utility rules all affect system design and performance.
- Local cost figures are estimates: a typical 9.84 kW system is shown at $27,111 cash, with projected savings depending on assumptions and household use.
- Solar output changes through the year, while incentives and utility credits depend on eligibility, tariffs, and contract terms.
Arlington Electricity Prices
Electricity prices affect household budgets in Arlington, and recent Virginia data show why the cost of power is worth watching.
Virginia’s average residential rate rose from 12.0 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2021 to 14.5 cents in 2024, below the 2024 U.S. average of 16.5 cents. These are statewide, not Arlington-specific, figures.
A rooftop solar system can generate some of a home’s electricity, potentially reducing how much a household buys from its utility. The effect on bills depends on system output, energy use, and utility billing rules.
Over time, using less grid electricity may help households manage exposure to changing rates, though solar does not eliminate every utility charge or guarantee savings. Comparing costs with expected production can help clarify its long-term value.
Price of Energy: Virginia vs National Average
Arlington Area Utility Providers
Dominion Energy is the utility represented in the available Arlington, VA comparison. The latest figures provided are from 2023—not 2024—and show an electricity price of 13.9¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
In 2023, Dominion’s 13.9¢/kWh was 0.4¢ below Virginia’s 14.3¢ average and 2.1¢ below the U.S. average of 16.0¢. These figures show the comparison but do not identify what causes rate differences.
For Arlington households, comparing electricity use and utility charges with potential solar production can help assess whether solar may offset some grid electricity and provide value over time. Actual results depend on each household’s circumstances.
Arlington Utilities Electricity Rates
Virginia Solar Incentives
State and local programs may help offset solar costs in Arlington; explore the solar incentives in Virginia listed below.
Arlington-area homeowners may encounter group-purchase discounts, property-tax exemptions, net-metering or shared-solar bill credits, and variable revenue from selling eligible solar renewable energy certificates. Availability depends on participating localities, system eligibility, local ordinances, utility tariffs, and ownership or contract terms.
Federal 30% tax credit was eliminated by the Big Beautiful Bill; state and local incentives remain. LightReach leasing has Palmetto handle commercial ITC, passing savings through lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch Together Virginia — 2026 Solar and Battery Group-Purchase Campaign | Group-Purchase Discount | Homeowners in participating Virginia localities can obtain group-purchase pricing on solar and optional battery storage, with registration open through October 15, 2026. Arlington homeowners should confirm that Arlington is a participating locality. | Learn More |
| Residential Solar Property-Tax Exemption for Qualifying Systems of 25 kW or Less | Property Tax Exemption | Virginia provides a full state and local property-tax exemption for certain qualifying residential or agricultural solar facilities with nameplate capacity of 25 kW DC or less, subject to statutory conditions. | Learn More |
| Local-Option Property-Tax Exemption for Certified Solar and Storage Equipment | Property Tax Exemption | A Virginia locality may exempt some or all of the assessed value of qualifying certified solar equipment and potentially energy-storage equipment if it has adopted an ordinance. | Learn More |
| Virginia Net Metering and Utility Export-Credit Programs | Net Metering | Eligible solar customers can receive utility-bill credits for electricity sent to the grid, with credit values, system limits, and treatment of unused annual credits determined by the applicable utility tariff. | Learn More |
| Virginia Shared Solar / Community Solar Subscriptions | Shared Solar Bill Credits | Customers can subscribe to an eligible off-site solar project in their utility territory and receive utility-bill credits for their share of the project’s generation. | Learn More |
| Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Sales | Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Revenue | Owners of eligible solar generation may be able to sell the system’s renewable energy certificates for variable market revenue, subject to ownership and contract terms. | Learn More |
Switch Together Virginia offers group-purchase pricing for rooftop solar and optional battery storage. The state reports that solar discounts have averaged about 23%—roughly $6,300 on a typical system—but these are historical averages, not guaranteed savings or a cash rebate. Battery discounts are also available, with the amount depending on the project quote.
The 2026 campaign is available in more than 100 localities, and registration closes October 15, 2026. Arlington homeowners should confirm that Arlington is a participating locality. Registration and receiving a recommendation do not require you to buy; compare the final system design, full price, equipment, warranties, and contract terms with independent bids before accepting an offer.
Virginia law exempts specified qualifying solar facilities with a nameplate capacity of 25 kW DC or less from state and local property taxation. For a homeowner whose installation meets the statutory requirements, the exemption can prevent the qualifying solar equipment from increasing the property-tax assessment.
This is not an automatic exemption for every system: the law ties eligibility to specified residential or agricultural installations and other conditions. Confirm that your system qualifies and ask your locality how the exemption is applied to your property.
Under Virginia law, a county, city, or town may choose to exempt some or all of the assessed value of qualifying solar-energy equipment from local property tax. The statutory definition can also cover qualifying equipment used to store thermal or electric energy, so a battery may be eligible where the local rules allow it.
The exemption is not statewide or automatic. Your locality must have adopted an ordinance, and the owner must apply for certification through the local building department. The law requires an adopted exemption to last at least five years; contact your locality to confirm coverage, application steps, and the amount of tax relief.
Net metering can reduce a solar customer’s electric bill by crediting electricity exported to the grid. Credits and any rollover or annual settlement depend on the utility’s current tariff; there is no single statewide promise of a permanent one-to-one retail credit or a retail-rate payment for excess generation.
Eligibility, system-size limits, interconnection approval, and charges vary among investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives. Dominion’s 2026 terms include a monthly administrative charge and a lower-value payment for surplus remaining at annual true-up. Before installing solar, ask your utility for its current tariff and written details on export credits, annual settlement, and applicable fees.
Shared solar lets a household receive bill credits from an off-site solar project without installing panels on its own roof. The financial benefit depends on the project’s generation credits, subscription charges, and contract terms; there is no guaranteed statewide savings amount.
You generally need to subscribe to a project serving your utility territory. Review the subscription fee, credit calculation, cancellation terms, and any minimum-bill requirement before enrolling. Virginia’s program includes low-income participation provisions; eligibility and any minimum-bill exception depend on the applicable utility program.
A solar system may generate renewable energy certificates (RECs) that represent the environmental attributes of its electricity production. Eligible owners may be able to register and sell certificates through a buyer or aggregator; Virginia Energy has reported certificate prices in a broad, variable range, so this is potential market revenue rather than a guaranteed rebate or fixed payment.
Check your solar contract before counting on REC income. A lease or power-purchase agreement may assign the certificates to the system owner or another party, and the value depends on generation, registration, buyer terms, and market prices. Ask the utility or a qualified REC buyer about current eligibility and offers.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Virginia incentives.
Get a Free QuoteArlington Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Arlington’s long summer days support stronger solar production, while shorter winter days and cloudy weather can reduce output. With the right system, solar can still work well year-round.
Solar Production in Arlington by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Arlington
We’ve organized solar installation data from across the country to create this interactive map of Arlington, VA. Explore the hexagons to see how many homes in each area have gone solar, and discover the neighborhoods and neighbors helping bring clean energy to local communities.
How to Choose a Solar Installer in Arlington
Verify the license
Paid residential rooftop-solar installation is generally contracting work in Virginia. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) says most contracting work over $1,000 requires a state contractor license. The right license class depends on project value and the contractor’s overall work volume. Solar-generation work may call for the Alternative Energy Systems specialty, while electrical work is covered by the Electrical classification; the appropriate combination depends on the work being done. Look up the contractor in DPOR’s license search, and ask which licensed business is responsible for each part of your project.
Look for certified installers
Ask whether the people designing and installing your system hold NABCEP certification, and what the credential covers. Also ask about manufacturer certifications: which brands and equipment they apply to, who holds them, and whether they affect your equipment warranty or service options. Treat certifications as useful details to verify—not a substitute for checking the contract, license, references, and warranty terms.
Compare quotes the same way
Request written proposals with the same assumptions. Compare:
- System size in kilowatts (kW) and price per watt.
- Panel and inverter brands and models.
- Estimated annual production in kilowatt-hours (kWh/year), and the assumptions behind the estimate.
- Warranty terms for panel product and performance, inverter, workmanship, and roof penetrations.
- Who handles permits and utility interconnection, and whether those services are included.
- Total cost or monthly payment, plus any payment escalator and how it changes over time.
Compare the actual scope and terms, not just the headline price or projected savings.
Permits, interconnection and your HOA
Building and electrical permits are handled by the local government’s building inspections department; confirm the process with your county, city, or town. For eligible net-metered residential systems, the electric distribution company handles customer notification and approval under state interconnection rules. You must notify the supplier before construction or installation and receive utility approval before interconnection; the utility has 30 days to determine whether requirements are met. Ask the installer who handles each step. Virginia providers include Virginia Electric & Power Co, Appalachian Power Co, Northern Virginia Elec Coop, and Rappahannock Electric Coop. See Virginia’s building-code information.
Virginia law generally prevents a property owners’ association from prohibiting panels on individually owned property unless the recorded declaration establishes a prohibition. Reasonable placement restrictions may apply; certain restrictions with specified cost or production impacts are considered unreasonable, subject to documentation requirements. Associations may restrict panels on common areas. Review your recorded documents and ask the association about its process; Virginia law provides details.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign the same day or before you can review the proposal and contract.
- Unlicensed contractors or out-of-state crews when the company cannot clearly explain who is licensed and accountable for the work.
- Vague production estimates without a written annual kWh figure or clear assumptions.
- Large upfront deposits without a clear, written payment schedule and project milestones.
- Promises of federal tax credits for homeowner purchases in 2026; homeowner credits ended December 31, 2025.
Leasing Solar Panels
For Arlington homeowners served by Dominion Energy, Palmetto offers solar leasing. A lease uses a set monthly payment based on the system’s expected production, rather than a per-kWh charge. Palmetto also lists leases for Appalachian Power Company customers elsewhere in Virginia; availability depends on your utility and location.
A solar PPA, by contrast, charges for each kilowatt-hour the panels produce, so payments can vary by season. A PPA isn’t the listed option for Arlington; here, the available Palmetto option is a lease. Learn more about the differences between buying and leasing solar.
Unlike paying cash, leasing generally avoids the system’s upfront purchase cost. The system owner handles maintenance under the agreement, so you don’t take on those responsibilities yourself. Review contract terms, including payment and service coverage. Explore Palmetto LightReach for more information.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Explore LightReach LeasingFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Arlington residents served by Dominion Energy Virginia can use net metering. Electricity sent to the grid earns credits on a 1:1 kilowatt-hour basis, and unused monthly credits can carry forward.
At the annual true-up, excess credits may roll over or be settled at Dominion’s avoided-cost rate, roughly 3–5 cents per kWh. Check Dominion’s current tariff for eligibility, fees, and settlement details.
Yes, an owned solar system may increase a home’s value in Arlington, VA. Zillow’s study found homes with solar panels sold for about 4.1% more, though this is a national estimate, not a guaranteed Arlington premium.
This potential increase applies to systems the homeowner owns, such as a cash-purchased system. Leased panels remain provider-owned, so resale may differ: the buyer may need to assume the lease. Review the agreement’s transfer and payment terms.
In Arlington, homeowners can go solar with LightReach for a low fixed monthly payment and no upfront cost. The calculator estimates $85–$149 per month depending on home size; a typical 9.84 kW system is about $115 per month.
A cash purchase is another option. The calculator estimates about $27,111 for a typical system, with sample prices from $20,748 to $34,440. The federal 30% tax credit is no longer available for residential cash purchases following the 2025 federal law change. See the calculator above for pricing; actual costs vary by home.
A solar lease lets you use panels owned by the provider for a fixed monthly payment. In Arlington, a typical 9.84 kW system is estimated at $115/month, using Virginia’s 1,219 kWh/kW/year production ratio and a $0.115/kWh rate.
LightReach requires no upfront cost; one payment includes the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and protection, with a 90% production guarantee. Monthly lease payments are typically below current electric bills, so savings may start when the system operates; utility charges can remain.
In Arlington, a typical 9.84 kW home solar system could produce about 13,600 kWh of electricity per year, based on the article’s NREL PVWatts estimate of 13,819 kWh annually for a 10 kW system.
Production is seasonal: the article estimates about 47 kWh per day for a 10 kW system in July and 25 kWh per day in December. Your actual output depends on roof direction, shading from trees or buildings, and weather.
Yes. Solar panels work in Arlington, VA’s climate. The article estimates about 4.8 peak sun hours per day on average. Panels also produce electricity on cloudy days, though output is lower when sunlight is limited.
Production changes with the seasons: Arlington’s long summer days support higher output, while shorter winter days and cloudier weather can reduce it. The article’s estimate for a 10 kW system ranges from about 47.3 kWh per day in June and July to 24.5 kWh per day in December.
Solar panels are low maintenance and usually need little routine attention. Arlington homeowners can monitor system output and arrange an inspection if production drops or damage is visible.
With a LightReach lease, Palmetto owns the system and handles maintenance, monitoring, and repairs at no extra cost. The lease also includes a 90% Production Guarantee.